The Best Things to Do and See in Fort William, Scotland

The most popular attraction in Fort William is also the biggest. Standing at 1,345m (4,412ft) tall, this hulk of a mountain is the highest in the UK and attracts 125,000 visitors to its slopes every year. Fortunately you don’t need to be an expert mountaineer to make it to the top, as a pony track constructed in 1883 is now the most common ascent route. Advanced climbers will need to come prepared to tackle the impressive North Face and its 700m (2,300ft) cliffs, with appropriate footwear and a good level of fitness. Make sure you check the weather forecast, too, as conditions can change rapidly – snow is possible all year. A good place to start is the helpful visitor centre in Glen Nevis – it has information on the mountain and local area, as well as toilets, a shop, picnic benches and car park.

Known as one of the best short walks in Scotland, the walk leads through the dramatic gorge and ends at the spectacular Steall Falls, Scotland’s second-highest waterfall at 394ft (120m) tall. The path through the gorge is clear and well-walked, but it is rocky so good footwear is essential. The walk takes around two hours, at just over 2mi (3km). Recommended by Jillian Ellis.

Scotland is well known for its whisky, and with each area producing a unique flavour and style, there are over 130 whisky distilleries to choose from. The Ben Nevis Distillery can be found in Lochy Bridge, to the north of Fort William, and was licensed in 1825. There’s a helpful visitor centre and three different levels of tour, including the obligatory tasting. Booking ahead is advisable as this can be a popular experience – and maybe book a cab home, too.

Not to be confused with the 19th-century Inverlochy Castle Hotel, the Old Inverlochy Castle is a 13th-century castle on the bank of River Lochy. The castle is now a ruin, but it was once one of the most important castles in Scotland and is still a spectacular sight to behold. There is the Old Military Road which goes past the castle directly to Fort William. The area is beautiful and provides wonderful walking routes. Recommended by Jillian Ellis.

Full of fascinating displays, this museum is a must-visit if you come to Fort William. Founded in 1922 – when the museum had neither a building, nor a collection – the West Highland Museum showcases items along themes such as Archaeology and Victoriana, all dedicated to life in the Highlands. There’s a fantastic collection of Jacobite artefacts, too. Housed in a former bank, the museum is right in the centre of Fort William, so come for the free entry, and free wifi.

The Commando Monument is a Category A listed monument as a result of its historical importance. It was unveiled in 1952 by the Queen Mother and has been almost completely unaltered since then, with only a plaque added years later. It sits in a spectacular location, with views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr. There is a war memorial path connecting the Commando Monument and the local High Bridge, where the first shots were fired in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Recommended by Jillian Ellis.

Neptune’s Staircase is a wonder of engineering. Eight gates on the Caledonian Canal form the longest “staircase lock” in Scotland, and raise the waterway 19m (62ft) over a quarter of a mile to transfer boats between sea and canal. It still takes vessels about 90 minutes to get through the hydraulic gates, but this is much improved from the half day it used to take when they were powered by hand. Admire Thomas Telford’s design as you tackle the Great Glen Way – a charming long-distance hike past Fort William’s best attractions.

For those who have the stamina, the Great Glen Cycle route runs all the way from Fort William to Inverness, a 73mi (117km) route that takes around three days to fully complete, with some astonishing scenery along the way. For those seeking something a little easier, the path can be travelled partway, as far as Loch Lochy, whilst off-roading routes are ideal for anyone feeling a little bit braver (be sure to rent or bring a mountain bike for this though). Recommended by Jillian Ellis.

Visit this hotel, restaurant and art gallery in one, in the heart of Fort William. The Lime Tree An Ealdhain (meaning “place for creativity” in Gaelic) has a couple of fascinating touring exhibitions each year, and is an award-winning cultural and dining venue. The boutique hotel and its restaurant have been excellently reviewed, and the menu boasts fresh, seasonal dishes, incorporating the very best locally sourced ingredients. The hotel is the perfect starting point for all the outdoor activities Fort William has to offer – or stick to the hotel grounds for a relaxing afternoon.

There are many ways to experience the majesty of the Ben Nevis mountain range, and water is most certainly one of them. The Crannog Cruise tour sees visitors boarding the 1948 Souters Lass and taking it across Loch Linnhe, which sits in the shadow of Britain’s highest peak. As well as offering amazing scenery, there’s a very good chance you’ll see seals, dolphins and even porpoises during the journey, as well as learning plenty about the history and geology of the area, possibly over a beer or warm cup of tea. Recommended by Jillian Ellis.

From May to October, the West Highland Railway Line plays host to the Hogwarts Express steam train, or the Jacobite as it’s also known. Running from Fort William to Mallaig and back, the route is stunning whatever the weather. It’s been called the most beautiful railway in the world many times – add in this special steam train and it’s an experience not to be missed. The Glenfinnan Viaduct – also known as the “Harry Potter bridge” – with its views of Loch Shiel is breathtaking.

Creag Meagaidh National Nature Reserve is a botanist’s dream with rare mountain plants like woolly willow and Highland saxifrage as far as the eye can see. The nature reserve consists of a mixture of woodland and open moorland, which is the perfect habitat for the wild black grouse which live there. In the woods, visitors can see many deer, chaffinches, willow warblers and tree pipits, as well as some native birch trees. The reserve is currently attempting to rejuvenate the birch forest which once covered the lower slopes of the nature reserve. Recommended by Jillian Ellis.

The Nevis Range Mountain Experience is home to the UK’s only Mountain Gondola, a glorified ski lift with spectacular views. At the top of the ride is the Snowgoose Restaurant and Bar, alongside an expanse of stunning upland with many trails and viewpoints along the way. In winter, this is a magical snow-covered landscape and a magnet for snow sports enthusiasts. Stop for a hot chocolate at the Pinemarten cafe, before burning it off on the slopes. Or come in June to marvel at the daredevil bikers in the Mountain Bike World Cup.

Fort William is home to some of the most stunning scenery and wild landscapes in the UK. It boasts mountains, incredible waterfalls and stunning views at every turn. Outdoor activities are available for every level of fitness, so don’t overlook the opportunity to try something new. There’s a wealth of expertise at hand, and trained instructors will be only too glad to help you achieve your climbing or skiing goal. Whether you come to Fort William for one activity in particular, or in order to be spontaneous, get outside, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy yourself.

Scotland’s stunning scenery, ancient castles, and quaint towns are just waiting to be discovered. These trips provide life-changing experiences, whether you’re exploring the untamed Highlands, learning about Fort William’s enchantment, or taking in the rich history of the nation. There is something for every type of traveler, from breathtaking hikes to in-depth cultural explorations. Begin your journey now to experience Scotland’s finest attractions!